Information processing apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing apparatus and a storage medium. The information processing apparatus remotely controls a vehicle executing a first mode in which an air conditioning apparatus is operated in a state in which an internal combustion engine is not operated, and a second mode in which the air conditioning apparatus is operated by operating the internal combustion engine. The information processing apparatus includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to: acquire a user-specified mode, the user-specified mode being the first mode or the second mode, and specified by a user of the vehicle; and in response to acquiring the user-specified mode, sending an execution request of the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique in which, in a system that operates an electric air conditioner installed in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) before a user enters the vehicle, when the remaining battery power is equal to or less than a predetermined level, an internal combustion engine is operated to charge the battery, and the air conditioner is operated (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-188062 (JP 2012-188062A)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can improve convenience for a user who uses a remote air conditioner.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus for remotely controlling a vehicle configured to execute a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, an air conditioner is operated without operating an internal combustion engine, and in the second mode, the air conditioner is operated by operating the internal combustion engine. The information processing apparatus includes a processor.

[0005] The processor is configured to: acquire a user-specified mode, which is the first mode or the second mode and is specified by a user of the vehicle; and in response to acquiring the user-specified mode, send an execution request for the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a storage medium that stores a program executed by a computer for remotely controlling a vehicle configured to execute a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, an air conditioner is operated without operating an internal combustion engine, and in the second mode, the air conditioner is operated by operating the internal combustion engine. In this case, for example, the program causes the computer to: acquire a user-specified mode, which is the first mode or the second mode and is specified by a user of the vehicle; and in response to acquiring the user-specified mode, send an execution request for the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle.

[0007] Other aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a method and a non-transitory storage medium. In the method, a computer executes the processing of the above information processing apparatus, and the non-transitory storage medium stores the above program in a computer-readable form.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a technology capable of improving convenience for users using a remote air conditioner can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 A diagram schematically showing an example of execution requirements according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 A diagram schematically showing an example of an operation command according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 A diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of a vehicle, a user terminal, and a server in a system according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 A diagram schematically showing an example of pattern data according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 A block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of a remote air conditioner menu screen according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of a user-specified mode setting screen according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 9 A diagram showing an example of an execution condition setting screen associated with a first mode according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of an execution condition setting screen associated with a second mode according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of an operation reception screen according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 12 A flowchart showing an example of a processing routine to be executed by a user terminal when a user-specified mode and execution conditions are set according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 13A flowchart showing an example of a processing routine to be executed by a user terminal when an operation of a remote air conditioner is received according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 14 A block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of a user terminal according to a first modification example;

[0024] Figure 15 A diagram showing an example of a remote air conditioner menu screen according to a first modification example;

[0025] Figure 16 A diagram showing an example of a user-specified mode setting screen according to a first modification example;

[0026] Figure 17 A diagram schematically showing an example of vehicle information;

[0027] Figure 18 To show according to the first modification example that will replace Figure 13 A flowchart of the processing to be executed in place of the step S201 in;

[0028] Figure 19 A block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of a user terminal according to a second modification example;

[0029] Figure 20 A diagram showing an example of an actual recording notification screen according to a second modification example; and

[0030] Figure 21 A flowchart showing an example of a processing routine to be executed by a user terminal when an operation of a remote air conditioner is received according to a second modification example. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] In recent years, it has become common for users to operate a remote air conditioner of a parked vehicle by remote control via a user terminal such as a smartphone. For example, in an HEV or PHEV including an electric air conditioner, the following technology is known. When a request to operate the air conditioner is given by remote control and the remaining battery power is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the air conditioner is operated using battery power without operating the internal combustion engine (first mode). When a request is given and the remaining battery power is less than the threshold value, the internal combustion engine is operated to charge the battery and the air conditioner is operated using battery power (second mode).

[0032] When the first mode or the second mode is automatically selected, the air conditioner may be operated in a mode that is not desired by the user, and the convenience of the user may be reduced. Therefore, there is a need for measures to ensure the convenience of users using the remote air conditioner.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus for remote control of a vehicle, the vehicle being configured to execute a first mode of operating an air conditioning apparatus in a state where an internal combustion engine is not operated, and a second mode of operating the air conditioning apparatus by operating the internal combustion engine. The information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be a terminal such as a smartphone used by a user of the vehicle, or may be a dedicated terminal. In one example, the vehicle subject to remote control may be an HEV or a PHEV including an electric air conditioning apparatus. In this case, the first mode may be a mode of operating the air conditioning apparatus using battery power in a state where the internal combustion engine is not operated, and the second mode may be a mode of operating the air conditioning apparatus using battery power while operating the internal combustion engine to generate electricity (charge the battery). In another example, the vehicle subject to remote control may be an HEV or a PHEV including an electric air conditioning apparatus driven by battery power and a mechanical air conditioning apparatus driven by the power of the internal combustion engine. In this case, the first mode may be a mode of operating the electric air conditioning apparatus using battery power, and the second mode may be a mode of operating the mechanical air conditioning apparatus using the power of the internal combustion engine.

[0034] In the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, a control unit (processor) is configured to acquire a user-specified mode. The user-specified mode is the first mode or the second mode, and is specified by the user of the vehicle. In one example, the user-specified mode may be specified in advance by the user of the vehicle and stored in a storage unit (memory) of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. In this case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured to perform the following in advance: output a second screen for specifying the first mode or the second mode; receive an operation for specifying the first mode or the second mode while outputting the second screen; and store the first mode or the second mode specified by the received operation as the user-specified mode in the storage unit. In this case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure may be configured to acquire the user-specified mode by reading the user-specified mode stored in the storage unit.

[0035] The control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, in response to the acquisition of the user-specified mode, sends a request for execution of the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle. In a configuration where the execution request is sent directly from the information processing apparatus to the vehicle, the external device related to the vehicle may be a device mounted on the vehicle. In a configuration where the execution request is sent indirectly from the information processing apparatus via a server to the vehicle, the external device related to the vehicle may be the server.

[0036] With the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, it is possible to operate the air conditioning apparatus of the vehicle in the first mode or the second mode (user-specified mode) specified by the user. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the execution of remote air conditioning in a mode that the user does not want. As a result, it is possible to ensure the convenience of the user using the remote air conditioning.

[0037] In the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, before sending an execution request to an external device related to a vehicle, a user can select whether to execute the remote air conditioner in a user-specified mode. In one example, in response to obtaining the user-specified mode, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can output a first screen for selecting whether to execute the obtained user-specified mode, receive an operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode while outputting the first screen, and in response to receiving the operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode, send an execution request for the user-specified mode to an external device related to the vehicle.

[0038] Due to the remote air conditioner executed in the user-specified mode, the remaining battery power or the remaining fuel amount may be less than the remaining battery power or the remaining fuel amount desired by the user. Therefore, when the user specifies the user-specified mode, the user can set the execution conditions for the user-specified mode. In one example, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can be configured to output a third screen for setting the execution conditions for the user-specified mode, receive an operation of setting the execution conditions while outputting the third screen, and store the execution conditions set by the received operation in a storage unit associated with the user-specified mode. In this case, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can be configured to, when sending an execution request for the user-specified mode to an external device, obtain the execution conditions stored in the storage unit, and send the obtained execution conditions together with the execution request for the user-specified mode to the external device. Therefore, the vehicle can execute the user-specified mode only when the received execution conditions are satisfied. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the remaining battery power or the remaining fuel amount is less than the remaining battery power or the remaining fuel amount desired by the user due to the execution of the user-specified mode.

[0039] The control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can also be configured to, after executing the user-specified mode in the vehicle, obtain an actual recorded value of the battery power or the fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the user-specified mode, and output the obtained actual recorded value. Therefore, the user of the vehicle can use the actual recorded value of the battery power or the fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the user-specified mode as an index to specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution conditions. As a result, the user of the vehicle can more appropriately specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution conditions.

[0040] When sending a request for execution of a user-specified mode to an external device, the user-specified mode can be specified by the user. In this case, obtaining the user-specified mode can include outputting a fourth screen for specifying the first mode or the second mode, receiving an operation for specifying the first mode or the second mode while outputting the fourth screen, and obtaining the first mode or the second mode specified by the received operation as the user-specified mode. The current remaining battery level and the current remaining fuel level can be displayed on the fourth screen. Thus, the user of the vehicle can specify the user-specified mode by referring to the current remaining battery level and the current remaining fuel level.

[0041] In the configuration where the user-specified mode is specified when sending a request for execution of the user-specified mode to an external device, the control unit of the information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure can be further configured to output a fifth screen for setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, receive an operation for setting the execution conditions while outputting the fifth screen, and send the execution conditions set by the received operation together with the execution request to the external device.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the embodiments described hereinafter are merely examples of the present disclosure in various aspects. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the implementation of the present disclosure, specific configurations can be adopted as appropriate according to the embodiments. The data that appears in the following embodiments will be described using natural language, but more specifically, it will be specified using a virtual language, commands, parameters, machine language, etc. that can be recognized by a computer.

[0043] Embodiment

[0044] Figure 1 FIG. schematically shows an example of a system to which the present disclosure is applied. The system according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 10, a user terminal 20, and a server 30, and provides a remote air-conditioning service to the user of the vehicle 10. Although Figure 1 one vehicle 10 and one user terminal 20 are shown, the system may include a plurality of vehicles 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20 under the management of the server 30.

[0045] The vehicle 10 is an HEV or PHEV including an air conditioner 120, a battery 130, an electric motor 140, an internal combustion engine 150, a generator 160, etc., which will be described later. The vehicle 10 in this embodiment is configured to perform remote air conditioning in a first mode and remote air conditioning in a second mode. The remote air conditioning refers to the remote control of the air conditioner 120 of the parked vehicle 10 (the power switch or ignition switch is off) via the user terminal 20. The first mode is a mode in which the air conditioner 120 is operated using the power of the battery 130 without operating the internal combustion engine 150. The second mode is a mode in which the internal combustion engine 150 is operated to generate electricity with the generator 160 (charge the battery 130), and the air conditioner 120 is operated using the power of the battery 130.

[0046] The user terminal 20 is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10, and a dedicated application program suitable for remote air conditioning is installed in the user terminal 20. By executing the dedicated application program, the user terminal 20 has functions such as presenting a remote air conditioning menu to the user, presenting an operation screen associated with each item in the menu to the user, and executing a process associated with the operation selected by the user on the operation screen. In this embodiment, the user terminal 20 corresponds to the "information processing device" according to the present disclosure.

[0047] In one example, the remote air conditioning menu includes the setting of remote air conditioning and the execution of remote air conditioning. The operation screen associated with the setting of remote air conditioning includes an operation screen for setting a user-specified mode, an operation screen for setting the execution conditions of the user-specified mode, etc. The user-specified mode is the first mode or the second mode, and is a mode specified by the user as needed. The execution condition is a condition for determining whether to execute the user-specified mode in the vehicle 10.

[0048] When the user-specified mode is the first mode, for example, the execution condition may be a lower limit value of the remaining battery power (state of charge (SOC)) of the battery (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "first threshold"). When the remaining battery power of the vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it can be determined that the execution condition of the first mode is satisfied. When the remaining battery power of the vehicle 10 is less than the first threshold, it can be determined that the execution condition of the first mode is not satisfied.

[0049] When the user-specified mode is the second mode, for example, the execution condition may be a lower limit value of the remaining fuel amount (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "second threshold"). When the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle 10 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it can be determined that the execution condition of the second mode is satisfied. When the remaining fuel amount of the vehicle 10 is less than the second threshold, it can be determined that the execution condition of the second mode is not satisfied.

[0050] The operation screen associated with the execution of the remote air conditioner includes an operation screen for selecting whether to execute a user-specified mode, etc. When an operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode is performed on the operation screen associated with the execution of the remote air conditioner, the user terminal 20 sends a signal (execution request) to the server 30 requesting to execute the remote air conditioner in the user-specified mode. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the execution request may include an identification code (vehicle ID) of the vehicle 10 that is the target of the remote control, information indicating the user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode), and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode (the first threshold or the second threshold).

[0051] The server 30 is one or more computers that relay signals related to the remote air conditioner between the user terminal 20 and the vehicle 10. The server 30 in this embodiment has a function of sending a command (operation command) to the vehicle 10 that is the target of the remote control in response to the execution request received from the user terminal 20. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the operation command may include the user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode) and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. In this embodiment, the server 30 corresponds to the "external device related to the vehicle" according to the present disclosure.

[0052] In the system of this embodiment, the user inputs an operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode into the terminal before entering the parked vehicle 10 (the power switch or the ignition switch is off). The user terminal 20 with the input operation sends an execution request for the remote air conditioner in the user-specified mode to the server 30 (see Figure 2 ). The server 30 that has received the execution request identifies the vehicle 10 that is the target of the remote air conditioner based on the vehicle ID in the execution request, and sends an operation command to the identified vehicle 10 (see Figure 3 ). The vehicle 10 that has received the operation command determines whether the execution conditions in the operation command are satisfied. When it is determined that the execution conditions are satisfied, the air conditioner device 120 of the vehicle 10 is operated in the user-specified mode. When it is determined that the execution conditions are not satisfied, the air conditioner device 120 of the vehicle 10 is not operated in the user-specified mode. When it is determined that the execution conditions are not satisfied, information indicating that the execution conditions are not satisfied may be sent from the vehicle 10 to the user terminal 20 via the server 30.

[0053] System Hardware Configuration

[0054] The hardware configurations of the vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, and the server 30 in the system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4 . Figure 4 FIG. is an example diagram schematically showing the hardware configurations of the vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, and the server 30 in the system of this embodiment.

[0055] Vehicle

[0056] First, an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle 10 will be described. As described above, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment is an HEV or a PHEV. As Figure 4 shown, the vehicle 10 includes an in-vehicle terminal 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 110, an air conditioner 120, a battery 130, a motor 140, an internal combustion engine 150, a generator 160, and a fuel quantity sensor 170. The in-vehicle terminal 100, the ECU 110, the air conditioner 120, the battery 130, the motor 140, the internal combustion engine 150, the generator 160, and the fuel quantity sensor 170 are connected to each other via an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), or FlexRay.

[0057] In Figure 4 it, only the hardware components related to the remote air conditioner are extracted in the illustration, and hardware components other than those Figure 4 shown can be installed on the vehicle 10.

[0058] The in-vehicle terminal 100 is a computer that communicates with the server 30 via the network N1. As Figure 4 shown, the in-vehicle terminal 100 includes a processor 101, a main storage device 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a communication interface (I / F) 104. The processor 101, the main storage device 102, the auxiliary storage device 103, and the communication I / F 104 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0059] The processor 101 is an arithmetic processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). The processor 101 controls the in-vehicle terminal 100 by loading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 into the main storage device 102 and executing the program.

[0060] The main storage device 102 includes semiconductor memories such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The main storage device 102 provides a storage area and a working area for loading a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. The main storage device 102 is used as a cache for arithmetic processing executed by the processor 101.

[0061] For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 is an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The auxiliary storage device 103 may include a removable medium, that is, a portable recording medium. The removable medium is an optical disc recording medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory, an optical disc (CD), or a digital versatile disc (DVD). For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 stores various programs and data used by the processor 101 to execute the programs.

[0062] The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 include an operating system (OS), a dedicated program for causing the processor 101 to execute processing related to a remote air conditioner, the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, and the like. Part or all of the information stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 may be stored in the main storage device 102. Part of the information stored in the main storage device 102 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 103. The vehicle ID may be held by the ECU 110 described later.

[0063] The communication I / F 104 includes a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to an in-vehicle network and a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle terminal 100 to an external network N1. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 104 communicates with the ECU 110 via the in-vehicle network. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 104 communicates with the server 30 via the external network N1. For example, the external network N1 is a wide area network (WAN) that is a global-scale public communication network such as the Internet or any other communication network. The communication I / F 104 connects the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the network N1 by a mobile communication scheme (for example, fifth generation (5G) or sixth generation (6G)) or a wireless communication scheme such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0064] In the in-vehicle terminal 100 configured as described above, when the communication I / F 104 receives an operation command sent from the server 30 (see Figure 3 ), the processor 101 determines whether the execution conditions in the operation command are satisfied. When the user-specified mode in the operation command is the first mode, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 connects to the in-vehicle network via the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 via the in-vehicle network to obtain the remaining battery charge (SOC). The processor 101 determines whether the obtained remaining battery charge (SOC) is equal to or greater than the first threshold in the operation command. When the user-specified mode in the operation command is the second mode, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 connects to the in-vehicle network via the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 via the in-vehicle network to obtain the remaining fuel amount. The processor 101 determines whether the obtained remaining fuel amount is equal to or greater than the second threshold in the operation command.

[0065] When the remaining battery power (SOC) is equal to or greater than the first threshold or the remaining fuel amount is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 determines that the execution condition of the user-specified mode is satisfied. In this case, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 sends a command to operate the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode to the ECU 110 via the communication I / F 104 and the in-vehicle network.

[0066] The determination as to whether the execution condition in the operation command is satisfied can be made by the ECU 110 described later. In this case, the in-vehicle terminal 100 can send the operation command received from the server 30 to the ECU 110 via the communication I / F 104 and the in-vehicle network.

[0067] Next, the air conditioner 120 is an electric air conditioner that uses the power of the battery 130 to cool or heat the compartment of the vehicle 10. The battery 130 supplies power to the motor 140 and the air conditioner 120. The motor 140 is operated using the power supplied from the battery 130. The internal combustion engine 150 is operated using the fuel stored in the fuel tank installed in the vehicle 10. In one example, the motor 140 and the internal combustion engine 150 can cooperate to drive the vehicle 10. In another example, the motor 140 can drive the vehicle 10, while the internal combustion engine 150 can drive the generator 160 described later to charge the battery 130. The generator 160 generates electricity by converting the kinetic energy generated by the internal combustion engine 150 into electrical energy. The generator 160 can perform so-called regenerative power generation, in which when the vehicle 10 decelerates, the kinetic energy of the drive wheels is converted into electrical energy. The fuel quantity sensor 170 measures the amount of fuel (remaining fuel amount) stored in the fuel tank.

[0068] The ECU 110 is a computer that controls in-vehicle devices such as the air conditioner 120, the motor 140, the internal combustion engine 150, and the generator 160. In the present embodiment, the ECU 110 acquires the remaining battery power (SOC) or the remaining fuel amount in response to a request from the in-vehicle terminal 100, and provides the acquired remaining battery power (SOC) or the acquired remaining fuel amount to the in-vehicle terminal 100. At this time, the ECU 110 can calculate the remaining battery power (SOC) of the battery 130 using a known method such as the open circuit voltage (OCV) method or the current integration method. The ECU 110 can acquire the remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank via the fuel quantity sensor 170.

[0069] The ECU 110 in this embodiment also has a function of controlling the air conditioner 120 in response to a command sent from the in-vehicle terminal 100 to the ECU 110. Specifically, when the command is a command to operate the air conditioner 120 in the first mode, the ECU 110 operates the air conditioner 120 by supplying power from the battery 130 to the air conditioner 120. Therefore, the remote air conditioner is executed in the first mode. When the command is to operate the air conditioner 120 in the second mode, the ECU 110 operates the internal combustion engine 150 and the generator 160 to charge the battery 130, and operates the air conditioner 120 by supplying power from the battery 130 to the air conditioner 120. Therefore, the remote air conditioner is executed in the second mode.

[0070] User terminal

[0071] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 in this embodiment is a computer used by the user of the vehicle 10. For example, the user terminal 20 can be a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable computer, or a personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 can be a dedicated communication terminal suitable for remote air conditioning. As Figure 4 shown, the user terminal 20 in this embodiment includes a processor 201, a main storage device 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an input / output device 204, and a communication I / F 205. The processor 201, the main storage device 202, the auxiliary storage device 203, the input / output device 204, and the communication I / F 205 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0072] In Figure 4 only the hardware components related to remote air conditioning are extracted in the drawing, and Figure 4 hardware components other than the hardware components shown can be included in the user terminal 20.

[0073] The processor 201, the main storage device 202, and the auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20 are respectively similar to the processor 101, the main storage device 102, and the auxiliary storage device 103 of the in-vehicle terminal 100, and thus their descriptions will be omitted. The auxiliary storage device 203 of the user terminal 20 stores a dedicated program (application program) for causing the processor 201 to execute functions related to remote air conditioning and mode data 231. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the mode data 231 includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10, a user-specified mode preset by the user of the vehicle 10, and execution conditions (execution conditions for the user-specified mode) preset by the user of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 203 that stores the mode data 231 corresponds to the "storage unit" according to the present disclosure.

[0074] The input / output device 204 receives input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. For example, the input / output device 204 includes a touch panel display and its control circuit.

[0075] The communication I / F 205 includes a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1. The communication I / F 205 connects the user terminal 20 to the network N1 via a mobile communication scheme, a wireless communication scheme such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), local area network (LAN), etc. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 205 communicates with the server 30 via the network N1.

[0076] In the user terminal 20 configured as described above, when an operation to start a dedicated application suitable for a remote air conditioner is input to the input / output device 204, the processor 201 interacts with the user by executing the application, thereby setting a user-specified mode, setting execution conditions for the user-specified mode, sending an execution request for the remote air conditioner, etc. Details of setting the user-specified mode, setting the execution conditions for the user-specified mode, and sending the execution request for the remote air conditioner will be described later.

[0077] Server

[0078] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the server 30 will be described. The server 30 in the present embodiment is a computer operated by a provider of a remote air conditioner service. For example, the provider of the remote air conditioner service is a manufacturer of the vehicle 10, or an operator commissioned by the manufacturer, etc. As Figure 4 shown, the server 30 includes a processor 301, a main storage device 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, and a communication I / F 304.

[0079] In Figure 4 it, only the hardware components related to the remote air conditioner are extracted in the drawing, and Figure 4 hardware components other than the hardware components shown may be included in the server 30.

[0080] The processor 301, main storage device 302, and auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 are respectively similar to the processor 101, main storage device 102, and auxiliary storage device 103 of the in-vehicle terminal 100, and thus their descriptions will be omitted. In addition to the OS, the auxiliary storage device 303 of the server 30 also stores a dedicated program that causes the processor 301 to execute processing related to the remote air conditioner.

[0081] The communication I / F 304 of the server 30 is a communication interface for connecting the server 30 to the network N1. In one example, the communication I / F 304 may include a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the communication I / F 304 communicates with the user terminal 20 and the in-vehicle terminal 100 via the network N1.

[0082] In the server 30 configured as described above, when the communication I / F 304 receives an execution request sent from the user terminal 20, the processor 301 identifies the vehicle 10 that is the target of the execution request based on the vehicle ID in the execution request. The processor 301 sends an operation command to the in-vehicle terminal 100 of the identified vehicle 10 via the communication I / F 304. As described above, the operation command may include a user-specified mode (information specifying the first mode or the second mode) and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode (see Figure 3 ).

[0083] Software configuration of the user terminal

[0084] Next, the software configuration of the user terminal 20 will be described with reference to Figure 6 FIG. Figure 6 FIG. is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the user terminal 20. By executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 203 by the processor 201, the user terminal 20 operates as a computer including a display unit F21, a setting unit F22, an acquisition unit F23, a reception unit F24, and a transmission unit F25 as software modules.

[0085] At least a part of the display unit F21, the setting unit F22, the acquisition unit F23, the reception unit F24, and the transmission unit F25 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0086] In response to the start of a dedicated application for remote air conditioning, the display unit F21 causes the input / output device 204 to output a remote air conditioning menu screen. In one embodiment, as Figure 7 shown, the remote air conditioning menu screen may include a setting button G31 as a graphical user interface (GUI) component for calling up a setting screen for the user-specified mode and execution conditions, an operation button G32 as a GUI component for calling up an operation reception screen for the remote air conditioning, and a termination button G33 as a GUI component for terminating the execution of the application. The configuration of the remote air conditioning menu screen is not limited to Figure 7 the example shown, and may be changed as appropriate according to the embodiment.

[0087] When the operation of displaying the remote air conditioner menu screen and selecting the setting button G31 (e.g., tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output a setting screen. In the present embodiment, the setting unit F22 first causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, as Figure 8 shown, the user-specified mode setting screen may include a first mode button G34 as a GUI component for setting the first mode as the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 as a GUI component for setting the second mode as the user-specified mode, and a display bar D1 for prompting a message to select the user-specified mode. In the present embodiment, the user-specified mode setting screen corresponds to the "second screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0088] When the operation of displaying the user-specified mode setting screen (see Figure 8 ) and selecting the first mode button G34 (e.g., tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode. In one example, as Figure 9 shown, the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode may include a drop-down menu G36 as a GUI component for selecting a lower limit value of the remaining battery level, a save button G37 as a GUI component for saving the selected lower limit value of the remaining battery level, and a display bar D2 for prompting a message to select the execution condition (lower limit value of the remaining battery level) of the first mode. Instead of the drop-down menu G36, the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode may include an input field for the user to input any remaining battery level.

[0089] When the operation of the user selecting a desired remaining battery level from the drop-down menu G36 on the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode and then selecting the save button G37 (e.g., tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. In this case, the mode data 231 includes information indicating that the user-specified mode is the first mode, and information indicating that the execution condition is the lower limit value of the remaining battery level selected on the execution condition setting screen.

[0090] When the operation of displaying the user-specified mode setting screen (see Figure 8 ) and selecting the second mode button G35 (e.g., tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode. In one example, as Figure 10As shown, the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode may include a drop-down menu G38 as a GUI component for selecting a lower limit value of the remaining fuel amount, a save button G39 as a GUI component for saving the selected lower limit value of the remaining fuel amount, and a display bar D3 for prompting a message indicating the execution condition (lower limit value of the remaining fuel amount) of the second mode. Instead of the drop-down menu G38, the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode may include an input field for the user to input any remaining fuel amount.

[0091] When an operation (e.g., tapping or clicking) where the user selects a desired remaining fuel amount from the drop-down menu G38 on the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode and then selects the save button G39 is input to the input / output device 204, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. In this case, the mode data 231 includes information indicating that the user-specified mode is the second mode and information indicating that the execution condition is the lower limit value of the remaining fuel amount selected on the execution condition setting screen.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode and the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode correspond to the "third screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0093] When a remote air conditioner menu screen is displayed (see Figure 7 ) and an operation of selecting the operation button G32 (e.g., tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the acquisition unit F23 accesses the mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203 to acquire the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution condition of the user-specified mode.

[0094] When the acquisition unit F23 acquires the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution condition of the user-specified mode, the receiving unit F24 causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen. In one example, as Figure 11As shown, the operation reception screen may include an execution button G40 as a GUI component for sending an execution requirement of a user-specified mode, a cancel button G41 as a GUI component for canceling the operation of the remote air conditioner, and a display bar D4 for prompting a message for selecting whether to operate the air conditioner device 120 in the user-specified mode. The message displayed in the display bar D4 may be changed according to the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. For example, when the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23 is the first mode, a message for prompting to select whether to operate the air conditioner device 120 in the first mode may be displayed in the display bar D4. When the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23 is the second mode, a message for prompting to select whether to operate the air conditioner device 120 in the second mode may be displayed in the display bar D4. In addition to the above messages, the display bar D4 may also display the execution conditions set by the setting unit F22.

[0095] The configuration of the operation reception screen is not limited to Figure 11 the example shown, and may be changed as appropriate according to the embodiment. For example, the operation reception screen may further include a GUI component for setting the room temperature of the vehicle 10 and / or a GUI component for setting the execution time of the user-specified mode. In the present embodiment, the operation reception screen corresponds to the "first screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0096] When the operation reception screen is displayed and an operation of selecting the execution button G40 (for example, tapping or clicking) is input to the input / output device 204, the transmission unit F25 sends an execution requirement to the server 30. As described above, the execution requirement is a signal including the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode (see Figure 2 ). The execution requirement is generated using the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. The transmission unit F25 sends the generated execution requirement to the server 30 via the communication I / F205.

[0097] The software configuration of the user terminal 20 is not limited to Figure 6 the example shown, and any software components may be added, omitted, or modified according to the embodiment.

[0098] Processing flow

[0099] Next, the processing flow executed by the user terminal 20 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 13 . Figure 12 FIG. is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the user terminal 20 when setting the user-specified mode and the execution conditions. Figure 13 FIG. is a flowchart showing the processing routine executed by the user terminal 20 when receiving the operation of the remote air conditioner. Figure 12 andFigure 13 The main executor of the processing routine is the processor 201 of the user terminal 20, but the description will be made under the assumption that the main executor is each software component of the user terminal 20.

[0100] When the remote air conditioner menu screen is displayed (see Figure 7 ) and the setting button G31 is operated, the Figure 12 processing routine is executed. In the Figure 12 processing routine, in response to the operation of the setting button G31, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the setting unit F22 and causes the input / output device 204 to output the user-specified mode setting screen (step S101). As described with reference to Figure 8 , the user-specified mode setting screen may include a first mode button G34 as a GUI component for setting the first mode as the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 as a GUI component for setting the second mode as the user-specified mode, and a display bar D1 for prompting the selection of the user-specified mode. When the processing of step S101 is completed, the setting unit F22 executes the processing of step S102.

[0101] In step S102, the setting unit F22 determines whether the first mode or the second mode is specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, while the user-specified mode setting screen shown in Figure 8 is being displayed, the setting unit F22 determines whether an operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204. When an operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is not input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S102), the setting unit F22 waits until an operation is input to the input / output device 204. When an operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S102), the setting unit F22 executes the processing of step S103.

[0102] In step S103, the input / output device 204 outputs an execution condition setting screen associated with the mode specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. When the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the first mode button G34 in Figure 8 is operated), as described with reference to Figure 9 , the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode. When the second mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when the second mode button G35 in Figure 8 is operated), as described with reference toFigure 10 As described above, the setting unit F22 causes the input / output device 204 to output the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode. When the process of step S103 is completed, the setting unit F22 performs the process of step S104.

[0103] In step S104, the setting unit F22 determines whether to set the execution condition of the user-specified mode. When the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode, the setting unit F22 determines whether to set the execution condition of the user-specified mode. Figure 9 After selecting the desired remaining battery power from the pull-down menu G36 on the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode shown in FIG. 1 , whether the operation of selecting the save button G37 is input to the input / output device 204. When the second mode is designated as the user designated mode, the setting unit F22 determines whether the user selects the save button G37 in the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode. Figure 10 After selecting the desired remaining fuel amount from the pull-down menu G38 on the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode shown, whether the operation of selecting the save button G39 is input to the input / output device 204. When the execution condition of the user-specified mode is not set (negative determination in step S104), the setting unit F22 waits until the execution condition of the user-specified mode is set. When the execution condition of the user-specified mode is set (positive determination in step S104), the setting unit F22 performs the processing of step S105.

[0104] In step S105, the setting unit F22 generates mode data 231 including the user specified mode set on the user specified mode setting screen, the execution condition set on the execution condition setting screen, and the vehicle ID, and stores the generated mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203. When the setting unit F22 completes the processing of step S105, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 terminates. Figure 12 Execution of the processing routine.

[0105] Next, when the Remote Air Conditioning menu screen is displayed (see Figure 7 ) and press the operation button G32, execute Figure 13 Assume that the processing routine has been executed in advance Figure 12 Processing routine (user-specified mode and execution conditions have been set).

[0106] exist Figure 13In the processing routine, in response to the operation of the operation button G32, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as an acquisition unit F23 and acquires the user-specified mode (step S201). Specifically, the acquisition unit F23 accesses the mode data 231 in the auxiliary storage device 203 and acquires the vehicle ID, the user-specified mode, and the execution conditions of the user-specified mode. When the acquisition unit F23 completes the processing of step S201, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as a reception unit F24 and executes the processing of step S202.

[0107] In step S202, the reception unit F24 causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen. As described with reference to Figure 11 The operation reception screen may include an execution button G40 as a GUI component for sending an execution request for the user-specified mode, a cancel button G41 as a GUI component for canceling the operation of the remote air conditioner, and a display bar D4 for prompting a message for selecting whether to operate the air conditioner 120 in the user-specified mode. At this time, the message displayed in the display bar D4 can be changed according to the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. When the processing of step S202 is completed, the reception unit F24 executes the processing of step S203.

[0108] In step S203, the reception unit F24 determines whether a selection to execute the user-specified mode is made on the operation reception screen. In one example, while displaying the Figure 11 operation reception screen shown, the reception unit F24 determines whether an operation of selecting the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 is input to the input / output device 204. When an operation of selecting the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 is not input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S203), the reception unit F24 waits until an operation is input to the input / output device 204. When an operation of selecting the execution button G40 or the cancel button G41 is input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S203), the reception unit F24 executes the processing of step S204.

[0109] In step S204, the reception unit F24 determines whether the operation input to the input / output unit 204 while the operation reception screen is displayed is an operation of selecting the execution button G40. When the operation input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is displayed is an operation of selecting the cancel button G41 (negative determination in step S204), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 terminates Figure 13Execution of the processing routine. When the operation input to the input / output device 204 while the operation reception screen is being displayed is an operation of selecting the execution button G40 (positive determination in step S204), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the transmission unit F25 and executes the processing of step S205.

[0110] In step S205, the transmission unit F25 sends an execution request to the server 30. Specifically, the transmission unit F25 first generates an execution request using the vehicle ID, user-specified mode, and execution conditions of the user-specified mode acquired by the acquisition unit F23. Subsequently, the transmission unit F25 sends the generated execution request to the server 30 via the communication I / F 205. When the transmission unit F25 completes the processing of step S205, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 terminates Figure 13 the execution of the processing routine.

[0111] Functions and effects of the embodiment

[0112] In the above embodiment, the user terminal 20 sets the first mode or the second mode as the user-specified mode desired by the user. When an operation to execute remote air conditioning is input, the user terminal 20 sends a request (execution request) to execute the remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode desired by the user to the server 30. The server 30 sends an operation command to the vehicle 10 that is the target of the execution request, thereby operating the air conditioning device 120 in the user-specified mode. Therefore, the air conditioning device 120 of the vehicle 10 can be operated in the first mode or the second mode desired by the user. As a result, it is possible to suppress the execution of remote air conditioning in a mode that the user does not want. As a result, the convenience of the user using the remote air conditioning can be ensured.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the user terminal 20 sets the execution conditions of the user-specified mode as desired by the user. The user terminal 20 sends an execution request including the execution conditions desired by the user to the server 30. The server 30 sends an operation command including the execution conditions to the vehicle 10 that is the target of the execution request. The vehicle 10 operates the air conditioning device 120 in the user-specified mode only when the execution conditions in the operation command are satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the situation where the remaining battery power or remaining fuel amount of the vehicle 10 is less than expected by the user due to the execution of remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode.

[0114] First modification

[0115] The above embodiment illustrates an example in which the air conditioning device 120 is remotely controlled according to the user-specified mode preset by the user. The first modification illustrates an example in which the user-specified mode is set each time the air conditioning device 120 is remotely controlled. Configurations different from the above embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0116] Software Configuration of User Terminal

[0117] Figure 14 FIG. is a diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of the user terminal 20 according to the first modification example. The user terminal 20 in the first modification example operates as a computer by a processor 201 executing a program stored in an auxiliary storage device 203, and the computer includes a display unit F21, an acquisition unit F26, a reception unit F24, and a transmission unit F25 as software modules.

[0118] In response to starting a dedicated application program suitable for a remote air conditioner, the display unit F21 in this modification example causes the input / output device 204 to output Figure 15 the remote air conditioner menu screen shown. Figure 15 The illustrated remote air conditioner menu screen does not include GUI components (e.g., Figure 7 the setting button G31 in ) for calling up the setting screen of the user-specified mode and execution conditions, but includes an operation button G32 as a GUI component for calling up the operation reception screen of the remote air conditioner, and a termination button G33 as a GUI component for terminating the execution of the application program.

[0119] When the Figure 15 shown remote air conditioner menu screen is displayed and an operation input selecting the operation button G32 is input to the input / output device 204, the acquisition unit F26 in this modification example causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, in addition to a first mode button G34 as a GUI component for setting the first mode as the user-specified mode, a second mode button G35 as a GUI component for setting the second mode as the user-specified mode, and a display bar D1 for prompting the selection of the user-specified mode, as Figure 16 shown, the user-specified mode setting screen in the first modification example may further include a display bar D5 for the current remaining battery level and the current remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10. The mode setting screen in the first modification example corresponds to the "fourth screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0120] When outputting the Figure 16 shown user-specified mode setting screen to the input / output device 204, the acquisition unit F26 may send a vehicle information request to the server 30. The vehicle information request signal is a signal for requesting the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10, and includes the vehicle ID of the vehicle 10.

[0121] In the server 30 that has received a vehicle information request, the processor 301 identifies the vehicle 10 that is the target of the vehicle information request based on the vehicle ID in the vehicle information request. The processor 301 of the server 30 sends a vehicle information transmission command to the in-vehicle terminal 100 of the identified vehicle 10 via the communication I / F 304.

[0122] In the in-vehicle terminal 100 that has received the vehicle information transmission command, the processor 101 is connected to the in-vehicle network via the communication I / F 104 and communicates with the ECU 110 via the in-vehicle network, thereby obtaining the remaining battery power (SOC) of the battery 130 and the remaining fuel quantity in the fuel tank. The processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 generates vehicle information including the data obtained from the ECU 110. In one example, as Figure 17 shown, the vehicle information may include the vehicle ID, the remaining power (SOC) of the battery 130, and the remaining fuel quantity in the fuel tank. When generating the vehicle information, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 is connected to the external network N1 via the communication I / / F 104, and sends the vehicle information to the server 30 via the network N1.

[0123] In the server 30 that has received the vehicle information sent from the in-vehicle terminal 100, the processor 301 sends the received vehicle information to the user terminal 20 via the communication I / F 304. In the user terminal 20 that has received the vehicle information sent from the server 30, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output Figure 16 the user-specified mode setting screen shown.

[0124] When the operation of displaying the user-specified mode setting screen and selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the mode designated as the user-specified mode (for example, Figure 9 or Figure 10 the execution condition setting screen shown). When the user-specified mode is the first mode, the execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode may include a display bar for the current remaining battery power. When the user-specified mode is the second mode, the execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode may include a display bar for the current remaining fuel quantity. The execution condition setting screen in the first variant corresponds to the "fifth screen" according to the present disclosure.

[0125] When the execution conditions are set on the execution condition setting screen associated with the mode designated as the user-specified mode, the reception unit F24 in the first variant causes the input / output device 204 to output an operation reception screen. The operation reception screen in this case may be similar to the above embodiment (see Figure 11 ).

[0126] As in the above embodiments, when the display operation reception screen is displayed and the operation of selecting the execution button G40 is input to the input / output device 204, the transmission unit F25 in the first modification example transmits an execution request to the server 30.

[0127] Processing flow

[0128] In the user terminal 20 in the first modification example, when the remote air conditioner menu screen is displayed (see Figure 15 ) and the operation button G32 is operated, an operation routine similar to Figure 13 is executed. Instead of Figure 13 the process of step S201, the processes of steps S2011 to S2015 shown in Figure 18 are executed.

[0129] In Figure 18 , when the remote air conditioner menu screen is displayed (see Figure 15 ), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the acquisition unit F26 and acquires the vehicle information of the vehicle 10 (step S2011). In one example, the acquisition unit F26 transmits a vehicle information request to the server 30 via the communication I / F 205. When the vehicle information transmitted from the server 30 in response thereto is received by the communication I / F 205 of the user terminal 20, the acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2012.

[0130] In step S2012, the acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output a user-specified mode setting screen. In one example, in addition to the first mode button G34 as a GUI component for setting the first mode as the user-specified mode, the second mode button G35 as a GUI component for setting the second mode as the user-specified mode, and the display bar D1 for prompting the selection of the user-specified mode, as Figure 16 shown, the user-specified mode setting screen in the first modification example may further include a display bar D5 for the current remaining battery level and the current remaining fuel level of the vehicle 10. The remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level displayed in the display bar D5 are the remaining battery level and the remaining fuel level in the vehicle information acquired in step S2011. When the process of step S2012 is completed, the acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2013.

[0131] In step S2013, when displaying Figure 16While displaying the user-specified mode setting screen shown, acquisition unit F26 determines whether an operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204. When the operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is not input to the input / output device 204 (negative determination in step S2013), acquisition unit F26 waits until the operation is input to the input / output device 204. When the operation of selecting the first mode button G34 or the second mode button G35 is input to the input / output device 204 (positive determination in step S2013), acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2014.

[0132] In step S2014, acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the mode specified on the user-specified mode setting screen. When the first mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when operating Figure 16 the first mode button G34), acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the first mode (for example, a screen similar to Figure 9 ). When the second mode is specified as the user-specified mode on the user-specified mode setting screen (for example, when operating Figure 16 the second mode button G35), acquisition unit F26 causes the input / output device 204 to output an execution condition setting screen associated with the second mode (for example, a screen similar to Figure 10 ). When the process of step S2014 is completed, acquisition unit F26 executes the process of step S2015.

[0133] In step S2015, acquisition unit F26 determines whether the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. When the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are not set (negative determination in step S2015), acquisition unit F26 waits until the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set. When the execution conditions for the user-specified mode are set (positive determination in step S2015), the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 terminates Figure 18 the execution of the processing flow in, and executes a process similar to steps S202 to S205 in the processing routine in Figure 13 .

[0134] Functions and effects of the first modification

[0135] In the first modification example, when receiving the remote control of the air conditioning device 120, the user terminal 20 sets the user-specified mode and execution conditions. At this time, the user terminal 20 presents the current remaining battery power and the current remaining fuel amount to the user of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the user of the vehicle 10 can set the user-specified mode and execution conditions by referring to the remaining battery power and the remaining fuel amount when remotely controlling the air conditioning device 120.

[0136] Second modification example

[0137] The second modification example illustrates the following example: after performing the remote air conditioning, the remaining battery power or fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the remote air conditioning is presented to the user of the vehicle 10. Configurations different from the above embodiments will be described, and the description of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0138] When the execution of the remote air conditioning in the user-specified mode is completed, the in-vehicle terminal 100 in the second modification example sends the actual record information to the server 30. The actual record information includes the remaining battery power or fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the remote air conditioning. When the user-specified mode is the first mode, the actual record information includes the remaining battery power consumed due to the execution of the first mode. When the user-specified mode is the second mode, the actual record information includes the remaining fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the second mode.

[0139] When sending the above actual record information to the server 30, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 first communicates with the ECU 110 via the communication I / F 104 to obtain the remaining battery power or remaining fuel amount at the start of the remote air conditioning, and the remaining battery power or remaining fuel amount at the end of the remote air conditioning. Next, the processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 calculates the difference between the remaining battery powers at the start and end of the remote air conditioning (the remaining battery power consumed due to the execution of the remote air conditioning) or the difference between the remaining fuel amounts (the remaining fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the remote air conditioning). The processor 101 of the in-vehicle terminal 100 sends the actual record information including the calculated battery power or the calculated fuel amount to the server 30 via the communication I / F 104.

[0140] In addition to the remaining battery power or fuel amount consumed due to the execution of the remote air conditioning, the in-vehicle terminal 100 can generate the actual record information including the remaining battery power or remaining fuel amount at the end of the remote air conditioning, and send the generated actual record information to the server 30. When the execution conditions of the user-specified mode are not satisfied and the remote air conditioning is not executed, the in-vehicle terminal 100 can send the information indicating that the execution conditions are not satisfied to the server 30 without sending the actual record information.

[0141] In response to receiving the actual recording information transmitted from in-vehicle terminal 100, server 30 in the second modification example transmits the actual recording information to user terminal 20. Specifically, when the actual recording information transmitted from in-vehicle terminal 100 is received by communication I / F 304 of server 30, processor 301 of server 30 transmits the actual recording information to user terminal 20 via communication I / F 304.

[0142] In response to receiving the actual recording information transmitted from server 30, user terminal 20 in the second modification example presents the actual recording information to the user of vehicle 10. Specifically, when communication I / F 205 receives the actual recording information transmitted from server 30, processor 201 of user terminal 20 causes input / output device 204 to output the actual recording information.

[0143] Software configuration of user terminal

[0144] Figure 19 A block diagram schematically showing an example of the software configuration of user terminal 20 according to the second modification example. User terminal 20 in the second modification example operates as a computer by processor 201 executing a program stored in auxiliary storage device 203, and the computer includes display unit F21, setting unit F22, acquisition unit F23, reception unit F24, transmission unit F25, and notification unit F27 as software modules.

[0145] Display unit F21, setting unit F22, acquisition unit F23, reception unit F24, and transmission unit F25 in the second modification example are similar to display unit F21, setting unit F22, acquisition unit F23, reception unit F24, and transmission unit F25 in the above embodiment, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0146] In response to receiving the actual recording information transmitted from server 30, notification unit F27 in the second modification example causes input / output device 204 to output an actual recording notification screen. In one example, as Figure 20 shown, the actual recording notification screen may include a display bar D6 for displaying the data and time of execution of remote air conditioning, and a display bar D7 for displaying the battery power (battery consumption) or fuel amount (fuel consumption) consumed due to the execution of remote air conditioning. In addition to battery consumption or fuel consumption, the remaining battery power or remaining fuel amount at the end of remote air conditioning may also be displayed in display bar D7.

[0147] Processing flow

[0148] Next, the processing flow executed by user terminal 20 in the second modification example will be described with reference to Figure 21 The processing flow executed by user terminal 20 in the second modification example will be described. Figure 21A flowchart showing a processing routine executed by the user terminal 20 when an operation of a remote air conditioner is received. In Figure 21 , processing similar to the processing routine in Figure 13 is denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0149] In Figure 21 's processing routine, the processor 201 of the user terminal 20 operates as the notification unit F27 and executes the processing of step S207 after executing the processing of steps S201 to S205. In step S206, the notification unit F27 determines whether the communication I / F 205 has received the actual record information sent from the server 30. When the communication I / F 205 has not received the actual record information (negative determination in step S206), the notification unit F27 waits until the communication I / F 205 receives the actual record information. When the communication I / F 205 has received the actual record information (positive determination in step S206), the notification unit F27 executes the processing of step S207.

[0150] In step S207, the notification unit F27 causes the input / output device 204 to output an actual record notification screen. As Figure 20 shows, the actual record notification screen may include a display column D6 for displaying the data and time of executing the remote air conditioner, and a display column D7 for the battery power consumption (battery consumption) or fuel consumption due to the execution of the remote air conditioner.

[0151] When the communication I / F 205 of the user terminal 20 receives information indicating that the execution condition of the user-specified mode is not satisfied without receiving the actual record information, the notification unit F27 may terminate Figure 21 's processing routine without executing the processing of step S207. Alternatively, the notification unit F27 may cause the input / output device 204 to output a screen indicating that the execution condition of the user-specified mode is not satisfied and the remote air conditioner has not been executed, instead of outputting the actual record notification screen.

[0152] Functions and effects of the second modification example

[0153] In the second modification example, after executing the remote air conditioner in the user-specified mode, the user terminal 20 presents the battery power consumption or fuel consumption due to the execution of the remote air conditioner to the user of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the user of the vehicle 10 can use the actual record value of the battery power consumption or fuel consumption due to the execution of the user-specified mode as an index to specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution condition for the next remote air conditioner. As a result, the user of the vehicle 10 can more appropriately specify the user-specified mode and / or set the execution condition.

[0154] Others

[0155] The embodiments and modification examples described above are merely examples, and the present disclosure can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the execution conditions of the user-specified mode do not need to be variable conditions set by the user, and can be fixed conditions preset for each vehicle 10. In this case, the vehicle 10 can determine whether the user-specified mode can be executed according to the preset fixed execution conditions. When it is determined that the execution conditions of the user-specified mode are not satisfied, the user terminal 20 can prompt the user to select whether to execute the remote air conditioner in a mode other than the user-specified mode.

[0156] The processes and devices described in the present disclosure can be combined as needed as long as there is no technical contradiction. The process described as being executed by a single device can be executed by multiple devices in cooperation. In addition, the processes described as being executed by different devices can be executed by a single device. For example, at least a part of the processes executed by the user terminal 20 can be executed by the server 30. In this case, the server 30 can interact with the user terminal 20 through execution via the web server to obtain the user-specified mode, execution conditions, etc.

[0157] The present disclosure can be embodied such that a computer program that realizes the functions described in the above embodiments is supplied to the user terminal 20 and read and executed by the processor 201 of the user terminal 20. The computer program can be provided to the computer by being stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or can be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a recording medium that can store information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can read information from a computer or the like. Examples of the recording medium include any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk (registered trademark) and a hard disk drive (HDD)) and an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD, and a Blu-ray disc). Examples of the recording medium also include media such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and a solid-state drive (SSD).

Claims

1. An information processing device for remotely controlling a vehicle executing a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, an air conditioning device is operated without operating an internal combustion engine, and in the second mode, the air conditioning device is operated by operating the internal combustion engine, the information processing device being characterized in that it includes more than one processor, wherein The one or more processors are configured to perform: acquiring a user-specified mode, the user-specified mode being the first mode or the second mode and being specified by a user of the vehicle; and In response to acquiring the user-specified mode, a request for execution of the user-specified mode is transmitted to an external device associated with the vehicle.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The one or more processors are configured to perform: outputting a first screen for selecting whether to execute the user-specified mode of acquisition; receiving a first operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode in a case where the first screen is output; as well as In response to receiving the first operation, the execution request of the user-specified mode is transmitted to the external device related to the vehicle.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that Also included is a memory configured to store the user specified mode, wherein The one or more processors are configured to execute the process of obtaining the user-specified mode stored in the memory.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The one or more processors are configured to perform: outputting a second screen for designating the first mode or the second mode; receiving a second operation designating the first mode or the second mode in a case where the second screen is output; as well as The first mode or the second mode designated by the received second operation is stored in the memory as the user designated mode.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that The one or more processors are configured to perform: outputting a third screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; receiving a third operation of setting the execution condition in a case where the third screen is output; as well as The execution condition set by the received third operation is stored in the memory in association with the user-specified mode.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The one or more processors are configured to perform: When the execution request of the user-specified mode is transmitted to the external device related to the vehicle, acquiring the execution condition stored in the memory; and The acquired execution condition is transmitted to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: In a case where the user-specified mode is the first mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of power of a battery mounted on the vehicle; and In a case where the user-specified mode is the second mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more processors are configured to perform: outputting a fourth screen for designating the first mode or the second mode; receiving a fourth operation designating the first mode or the second mode in a case where the fourth screen is output; as well as The first mode or the second mode designated by the received fourth operation is acquired as the user designated mode.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The one or more processors are configured to perform: outputting a fifth screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; receiving a fifth operation of setting the execution condition in a case where the fifth screen is output; as well as The execution condition set by the received fifth operation is transmitted to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that: In a case where the user-specified mode is the first mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of power of a battery mounted on the vehicle; and In a case where the user-specified mode is the second mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first mode is a mode in which the air conditioning device is operated using electric power from a battery mounted on the vehicle; the second mode is a mode in which the air conditioning device is operated using electric power generated by using the power of the internal combustion engine; and The one or more processors are configured to perform: After executing the user-specified mode in the vehicle, obtaining an actual recorded value of the amount of battery power or fuel consumed due to executing the user-specified mode; and The obtained actual record value is output.

12. A storage medium storing a program, the program being executed by a computer for remote control of a vehicle, the vehicle executing a first mode in which an air conditioning device is operated without operating an internal combustion engine and a second mode in which the air conditioning device is operated by operating the internal combustion engine, the storage medium being characterized in that the program causes the computer to execute: acquiring a user-specified mode, the user-specified mode being the first mode or the second mode and being specified by a user of the vehicle; and In response to acquiring the user-specified mode, a request for execution of the user-specified mode is transmitted to an external device associated with the vehicle.

13. The storage medium according to claim 12, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: outputting a first screen for selecting whether to execute the user-specified mode of acquisition; receiving a first operation of selecting to execute the user-specified mode in a case where the first screen is output; as well as In response to receiving the first operation, the execution request of the user-specified mode is transmitted to the external device related to the vehicle.

14. The storage medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the computer comprising a memory configured to store the user specified mode, The program causes the computer to execute acquisition of the user-specified pattern stored in the memory.

15. The storage medium according to claim 14, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: outputting a second screen for designating the first mode or the second mode; while outputting the second screen, receiving a second operation that specifies the first mode or the second mode; as well as The first mode or the second mode designated by the received second operation is stored in the memory as the user designated mode.

16. The storage medium according to claim 15, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: outputting a third screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; while outputting the third screen, receiving a third operation of setting the execution condition; as well as The execution condition set by the received third operation is stored in the memory in association with the user-specified mode.

17. The storage medium according to claim 16, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: When the execution request of the user-specified mode is transmitted to the external device related to the vehicle, acquiring the execution condition stored in the memory; and The acquired execution condition is transmitted to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode.

18. The storage medium according to claim 17, characterized in that: In a case where the user-specified mode is the first mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of power of a battery mounted on the vehicle; and In a case where the user-specified mode is the second mode, the execution condition is a condition related to a remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank mounted on the vehicle.

19. The storage medium according to claim 12, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: outputting a fourth screen for designating the first mode or the second mode; while outputting the fourth screen, receiving a fourth operation designating the first mode or the second mode; as well as The first mode or the second mode designated by the received fourth operation is acquired as the user designated mode.

20. The storage medium according to claim 19, characterized in that The program causes the computer to execute: outputting a fifth screen for setting execution conditions of the user-specified mode; receiving a fifth operation of setting the execution condition in a case where the fifth screen is output; as well as The execution condition set by the received fifth operation is transmitted to the external device together with the execution request of the user-specified mode.

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